Differences between British English & American words

At School

British English	American English
Friend / Mate	Friend
Rubber	Eraser
Maths	Math
Public School	Private School
State School	Public School
Holiday	Vacation
Packed lunch	Sack lunch/bag lunch
School dinner	Hot Lunch
Staff Room	Teachers Lounge
Plimsolls	Gym Shoes
"Mucking Around" / Off Task	Off Task / Fooling Around / "Goofing Off"
Play Time / Break Time	Recess
Open Day / Open Evening	Open House
Marking Scheme	Grading Scheme
Drawing pins	pushpins or thumbtacks
Headmaster/mistress Headteacher	Principal
Caretaker/porter	Janitor

 

Differences between British English & American words

On the Road

 

British English	American English
Dual carriageway	Divided highway
Sleeping Policeman / speed bump	Speed bump
Car park	Parking Lot
Car Journey / drive	Road Trip
Zebra Crossing / Pedestrian Crossing	Cross Walk
Lollipop Man or Lady	Crossing Guard
Motorway	Freeway/throughway
Motorway	Super highway
Traffic Jam / Tailback	Traffic Jam
Lorry	Truck
Articulated Lorry	Tractor Trailer / Trailer Truck
Estate car	Station wagon
Petrol	Gas / Gasoline
Pavement	Sidewalk
Petrol Station	Gas Station
Skip	Dumpster
Diversion	Detour
Lay-by	Pull-off
Cul-de-sac	Dead end
Roundabout (road)	Traffic circle
Fly-over	Overpass
Fire Engine	Fire Truck
Phone Box	Telephone Booth
Overtake (vehicle)	Pass
Convoy	Caravan
Caravan	Trailer

 

Differences between British English & American words

Clothes

British English	American English
Trousers	Pants
Pants / Underwear / Knickers	Underwear / panties
briefs/underpants	shorts/jockey shorts
Jumper / Pullover / Sweater / Jersey	Sweater
Pinafore Dress	Jumper
Vest	Undershirt
Waistcoat	Vest
Wellington Boots / Wellies	Galoshes
Mac (slang for Macintosh)	Rain Coat
Plimsolls	Gym Shoes
Trainers	Sneakers
Braces	Suspenders
Suspenders	Holds up stockings
Dressing Gown	Robe
Nappy	Diaper
Pinny / Apron	Apron
Polo Neck	Turtle Neck
Dressing Gown	Bath Robe
Swimming costume / Cozzy	Bathing Suit
Dungarees	Overalls
dressing-gown	bathrobe
bootlace/shoelace	shoestring
bowler/hard hat	derby